I am going to make my first bow purchase and saw some nice bows around the $300 area brand new, should I buy one of these or should I just buy a used one online around the same price range?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Sim
I would recommend buying one from a shop because they can offer so much help. If you buy one online you are kinda on your own.
BETTER to have someone knowledgeable
help you figure out the BEST bow DL setting that fits your body parts.
Now,
the unfortunate thing is...
the sticker on the bottom limb of the bows,
that say a particular bow is such and such DRAW LENGTH,
are rarely accurate.
So,
some BRAND spanking new bows,
have the draw length running as a perfect match to what is listed on the sticker for draw length.
So,
some BRAND spanking new bows,
have the draw length running 1/4-inch LONGER than what is listed on the sticker for draw length.
So,
some BRAND spanking new bows,
have the draw length running 1/2-inch LONGER than what is listed on the sticker for draw length.
So,
some BRAND spanking new bows,
have the draw length running 3/4-inch LONGER than what is listed on the sticker for draw length.
So,
basically,
you cannot trust the stated draw length for practically any new bow.
help you figure out the BEST bow DL setting that fits your body parts.
Now,
the unfortunate thing is...
the sticker on the bottom limb of the bows,
that say a particular bow is such and such DRAW LENGTH,
are rarely accurate.
So,
some BRAND spanking new bows,
have the draw length running as a perfect match to what is listed on the sticker for draw length.
So,
some BRAND spanking new bows,
have the draw length running 1/4-inch LONGER than what is listed on the sticker for draw length.
So,
some BRAND spanking new bows,
have the draw length running 1/2-inch LONGER than what is listed on the sticker for draw length.
So,
some BRAND spanking new bows,
have the draw length running 3/4-inch LONGER than what is listed on the sticker for draw length.
So,
basically,
you cannot trust the stated draw length for practically any new bow.
This is the danger you run into, when purchasing your FIRST new bow.
If at all possible,
put your hands on the bow in person,
so you can get an idea....
if you need to purchase the "correct" draw length
or
if you need to purchase 1/2-inch SHORTER than your "correct" draw length
or
if you need to purchase 1.0-inches SHORTER than your "correct" draw length.
So,
what is your "correct" draw length?
If at all possible,
put your hands on the bow in person,
so you can get an idea....
if you need to purchase the "correct" draw length
or
if you need to purchase 1/2-inch SHORTER than your "correct" draw length
or
if you need to purchase 1.0-inches SHORTER than your "correct" draw length.
So,
what is your "correct" draw length?
Put on a shirt with buttons.
Measure from a shirt button
to
the crease on your wrist (just bend your wrist).
Write down this measurement.
Let's say you get 28.5-inches for this measurement.
Well,
BRAND A with a 28.5-inch DL sticker, might actually be 29.25-inches in DL.
BRAND B, with a 27.5-inch DL sticker, might actually be 28.5-inches in DL.
BRAND C, with a 28.0-inch DL sticker, might actually be 28.5-inches in DL.
So,
do a search on "how's my form" threads,
and see hundred of photos of shooters who purchased their first bow,
with the draw length TOO LONG,
and
then,
see the AFTER photos
where the draw length was SHORTER.
Bring a friend,
and you can easily figure out yourself,
if you are leaning backwards,
and
then just try a bow that is 1/2-inch SHORTER
then just try a bow that is 1.0-INCHES SHORTER...
and completely ignore the DL sticker,
cuz 99 times out of 100,
it will be incorrect,
and most likely,
the actual draw length will be longer than what is printed on the sticker.
Go to a real pro shop and at least you will gain the knowledge needed to make better choices for your first bow.
Go to a Pro shop....NOT Bass Pro ......get the right one and have the shop set it up....new or newer used either will work depending on how much you want to spend....
Now,
if you purchase an ADJUSTABLE DRAW LENGTH bow...
then,
you have a much better chance
of
simply
ADJUSTING the bow Draw Length,
to something that actually FITS you.
if you purchase an ADJUSTABLE DRAW LENGTH bow...
then,
you have a much better chance
of
simply
ADJUSTING the bow Draw Length,
to something that actually FITS you.
Go to a pro shop, otherwise take your $300 and light it on fire....at least that will look cool.
This is a prime example of someone that uses neither place-----and has no useful knowledge for a newbie. He probably has had a bad experience at "one" shop thus the majority of them are crooks-----again another post full of misinformation, misdirection.
I would say you once you know your exact draw length you need to try out a few different bows that 300 dollar bow might not fit you and you'l regret it later,
or it will start you out with bad form that will be hard to correct later.
some of the lower priced bows are a very good buy for a beginner if you get the right one,also don't go to heavy on the poundage even if you can pull a 70lbder
a 60 lb bow will be easyer to practice with.Also most package bows come with bottom of the line axcessories so don't be fooled that you got a good deal if it comes all set up.
whatever price you pay for a bare bow double that price by the time you add axcessories and you will have something to shoot for years to come.
or it will start you out with bad form that will be hard to correct later.
some of the lower priced bows are a very good buy for a beginner if you get the right one,also don't go to heavy on the poundage even if you can pull a 70lbder
a 60 lb bow will be easyer to practice with.Also most package bows come with bottom of the line axcessories so don't be fooled that you got a good deal if it comes all set up.
whatever price you pay for a bare bow double that price by the time you add axcessories and you will have something to shoot for years to come.
Find the nearest pro shop other than Bass Pro, they dabble in everything and not to great on just 1 thing. A real archery pro shop will have the knowledge you need to rely on. And for the first time, yeah buy new other than used and buyer beware, plus new will have warrenty. A good pro shop will take their time with you and make sure you are set when you leave and most even have a range to even get you sighted in to atleast 20yds before you leave.
Definitely without a doubt go to a pro shop and NOT Bass Pro or Cabelas or any other big box store. You jus don't get the personal attention or knowledgeable staff like at a proshop.
Pro shop---do it correctly. You have No knowledge to buy off line----working in a pro shop I see newbies do this and half the time they buy something on price not knowledge-----and it won't fit or work for them. Box stores are volume sellers with very few of them having enough knowledge to properly set you up. There are MANY bows in your price range that are NEW in pro shops.
I've seen some pro shops that didn't have a clue as to what they were doing either,it all depends on the situation,I was at the Springfeild bass pro and the folks working there that day knew what they were talking about and what they were doing,Go to a reputable shop,which might not be the shop closest.If you have no idea what your draw length is,or what draw weight you'd be most comforatble with,don't buy online ,get someplace you can try the bow out first and hopefully get set up right.
what i did when getting my first bow, went to all the shops & sporting goods place around me and shot many different style of bows and draw lengths I also at most every shop asked how to find out what draw length i, some did the measuring way others just had me draw several different bow with different draw lengths until it seemed to fit right. once i had a good idea on the bow i wanted and what my draw length was i went and found the best deal i could and ended up getting the bow online then simply took it to one of the bow shops i had already been to for any work i needed done.
you can get a brand new bow for $300 but you can also get some great deal on many different bows for around the same price either online new or used that will be nicer than the $300 new box store bow. i would suggest doing your research and then making the purchase which ever way you feel most comfortable.
you can get a brand new bow for $300 but you can also get some great deal on many different bows for around the same price either online new or used that will be nicer than the $300 new box store bow. i would suggest doing your research and then making the purchase which ever way you feel most comfortable.
Pro shop........support em'. Because when you need real help........and you will they will still be there. The trend of price shopping to save $15 and then running to the pro-shop when you need "expert" help or a press, etc........is cutting your own throat. If you want them to be around don't help close em' down.
by from a shop a pro shop is the better choice, but bass pro or any box store is a much safer bet than buying something from someone you dont know , wont meet and cant take it back too,, there are people who sell on line because what they are selling is junk,, and no one would buy it if they saw it first,,,, dont set yourself up to be a victim,, if there are no local shops some manufacturers like pse will sell direct to you the customer,, at least that way you know you getting a new bow and they will warranty it
The problem is that if you purchase a bow without the necessary knowledge and expertise to choose a bow that fits you......you will most probably become disgruntled with the whole process of archery and never experience the pure joy of shooting. You must define in your head what you REALLY want. Do you have a desire to have something to play around with or would you prefer to enjoy an endeavor towards perfection and gratification? A compound bow should feel like an extension of yourself.....or not.
Doug
Doug
WOW. Thanks everyone, I read every single one of your replies' and all were great advice!
I actually have a pro archer shop less than 10 minutes away from me, I don't know what I was thinking driving all the way to bass pro shop..
A couple of times, I visit the pro shop and everything was EXPENSIVE, but since it's worth it I will just wait and save up my spending cash so I can take advantage of their knowledge.
Oh, what's a good poundage bow for an athletic 180 lb man to start on? I have only shot low poundage bows and they are effortless now that my body created a form.
I actually have a pro archer shop less than 10 minutes away from me, I don't know what I was thinking driving all the way to bass pro shop..
A couple of times, I visit the pro shop and everything was EXPENSIVE, but since it's worth it I will just wait and save up my spending cash so I can take advantage of their knowledge.
Oh, what's a good poundage bow for an athletic 180 lb man to start on? I have only shot low poundage bows and they are effortless now that my body created a form.
A pro shop should have demo bows you can shoot to get a feel which brand or model feels best for you. They will also find out the poundage you can comfortably pull, and your draw length.
Don't automatically dismiss Bass Pro. You might be surprised to find the BP staff more knowledgeable than the local pro shop. Take some time, check them out, ask questions and find out if they have someone on staff who knows how to set up bows.
Do the same at a couple of local pro shops. You might be surprised and find the "pro" shop doesn't know squat.
If you find a bow at BP that you like but they can't do a good job setting it up, you can still buy it and take it elsewhere for setup and service. Just make sure it's a model with a large adjustment range. Check the other shops to see if they will work on bows bought elsewhere, and what the cost will be compared with you buying a bow from them.
Do the same at a couple of local pro shops. You might be surprised and find the "pro" shop doesn't know squat.
If you find a bow at BP that you like but they can't do a good job setting it up, you can still buy it and take it elsewhere for setup and service. Just make sure it's a model with a large adjustment range. Check the other shops to see if they will work on bows bought elsewhere, and what the cost will be compared with you buying a bow from them.
"i would go to bass pro, most pro shops are arrogant, overpriced priks "
There are customers that are like this too, just sayin.:wink:
Yep, go to the local Pro Shop.
I agree with X Force, I bet they can be real close to Bass Pro on same or similar items and "probably" give you better advise.
There are customers that are like this too, just sayin.:wink:
Yep, go to the local Pro Shop.
I agree with X Force, I bet they can be real close to Bass Pro on same or similar items and "probably" give you better advise.
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